Gregory Foltz, Colby College / University of Massachusetts, LowellTitle: Determination of Nitrogen Concentration in Lithium Metal Samples Using 14N(p,g)15O ReactionAuthors: G. Foltz (Colby College); D. DeSimone (University of Massachusettes, Lowell)Abstract: Recently, experiments were conducted using neutrons created by the bombardment of lithium with protons. When new samples of lithium were used, the neutron yield was as expected. Later experiments performed with aged lithium targets showed a decrease in neutron production, so contamination of the lithium samples was suspected. Small seams were visible in the lithium's copper casing, and we believed these seams exposed the lithium to air. The presence of nitrogen in lithium would decrease the percentage of incident protons reacting with lithium atoms and thus decrease the number of emitted neutrons. To test the theory and, if proved correct, determine the approximate concentration of nitrogen in the samples, an experiment using (p,g) reactions in 14N was devised. Nitrogen concentrations ranging from 5% to 14% (+/- 3%), depending on the sample and position of the proton beam, were calculated.**This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation |